The Texas Theater

If you want a unique and memorable experience in Waxahachie, you should not miss the Texas Theater. This historic venue is more than just a place to watch movies or shows. It is a living testimony of the rich cultural heritage of this charming town. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Texas Theater, from its fascinating history to its current offerings. You will also find useful tips for visitors who want to make the most of their visit.

History

The Texas Theater was built in 1895 by the Waxahachie Opera House Company. It was initially designed as a multi-purpose facility that could host operas, plays, concerts, lectures, and other events. The theater was one of the first in Texas to have electric lights and a steam heating system. It also had a retractable roof that could be opened to let in natural light and fresh air.

The theater soon became a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It hosted many famous performers, such as John Philip Sousa, Sarah Bernhardt, Will Rogers, and Harry Houdini. It also served as a community center where people could gather for social and civic activities.

In 1927, the theater was renovated and converted into a movie palace. It was equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and a new marquee. It also changed its name to the Texas Theater, reflecting its pride and identity as a Texan landmark. The theater continued to show movies until 1972 when it closed due to declining attendance and competition from newer theaters.

In 1986, the theater was purchased by the Waxahachie Community Development Corporation, which began a restoration project to bring back its original glory. The theater reopened in 1990 as a performing arts center, hosting live theater, music, dance, and comedy shows. The theater also resumed showing movies, especially classic films and independent films.

The Good Ol’ Theater

The Texas Theater is known for being one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in Texas. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. It is also known for being the place where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested on November 22, 1963, after assassinating President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. Oswald had entered the theater without paying for a ticket, which aroused the suspicion of the cashier. She alerted the police, who arrived shortly after and apprehended Oswald inside the theater.

The theater has preserved its original architecture and décor, which reflect its various eras and styles. It has a neoclassical façade with Corinthian columns and a pediment. It has a spacious lobby with marble floors and walls, ornate chandeliers, and a grand staircase. It has a 500-seat auditorium with a proscenium stage, a balcony, and a domed ceiling with painted murals. It has a rich color scheme of red, gold, and cream, creating an elegant and cozy atmosphere.

A Charming Place

The Texas Theater is not only a cultural attraction but also an urban asset. It is in the heart of downtown Waxahachie, on the corner of Main Street and Franklin Street. It is surrounded by other historic buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These buildings include the Ellis County Courthouse, the Chautauqua Auditorium, the Rogers Hotel, and the Sims Library.

The theater contributes to the vitality and charm of downtown Waxahachie, which is known for its preservation and revitalization efforts. The theater attracts visitors from near and far, who can enjoy not only its shows but also its shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and parks. The theater also participates in various events and festivals that celebrate the culture and history of Waxahachie, such as the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes, the Crape Myrtle Festival, and the Candlelight Home Tour.

What can you see there?

The Texas Theater offers a diverse and exciting program of events throughout the year. You can watch live performances by local and national artists, ranging from musicals and dramas to concerts and comedies. You can also watch movies that cater to different tastes and preferences, such as classics, indies, documentaries, foreign films, and family films. You can check out their website or Facebook page for upcoming shows and tickets.

Some of their recent and upcoming shows include

• It’s A Wonderful Life, a live radio play based on the beloved film by Frank Capra.
• A Christmas Carol is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic story.
• The Wizard of Oz is a stage version of the iconic movie musical.
• Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond between six women in a small-town beauty salon.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult film that invites audience participation and costumes.

Casablanca is a romantic drama that is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Tips for visitors

If you are planning to visit the Texas Theater, here are some tips to help you enjoy your experience:

Are there any rules?

The theater has some rules and policies that you should follow to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone. These include:

•   No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the theater. You can buy snacks and beverages at the concession stand in the lobby.
•   No smoking or vaping is allowed inside or outside the theater.
•   No photography or recording is allowed during the shows unless otherwise stated.
•   No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed during the shows. Please turn them off or silence them before entering the auditorium.
•   No weapons or firearms are allowed inside the theater.
•   Please be respectful of the performers and other patrons. Do not talk, sing, or make noise during the shows unless it is part of the show. Do not block the view of others with your hats, hair, or hands. Do not leave your seat or exit the theater during the shows unless it is an emergency.

When is the best time to visit?

The theater is open year-round, but some seasons and days may be busier. Avoid visiting during holidays, weekends, or special events, as they may attract larger crowds and higher prices. You should also check the weather forecast before visiting, as some shows may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Is it family-friendly?

The theater is generally family-friendly, but some shows may not be suitable for children or sensitive audiences. You should check the ratings and descriptions of the shows before booking your tickets, as they may contain violence, profanity, nudity, or other mature content. You should also consider the length and time of the shows, as some of them may be too long or too late for younger viewers.

How to get there?

The theater is at 110 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165. You can get there by car, bus, or train. If you are driving, you can find parking spaces on the streets around the theater or in nearby lots and garages. If you are taking public transportation, you can take the DART bus route 206 from Dallas to Waxahachie or the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) train from Fort Worth to Dallas and then transfer to the bus. You can find more information on their website or Google Maps.

How much does it cost?

The cost of visiting the theater depends on the type and date of the show you want to see. You can find the prices and availability of tickets on their website or by calling their box office at (972) 937-9839. You can also buy tickets online through their website or Ticketmaster. You may be able to find discounts or deals for seniors, students, military, groups, or members.

Ready to meet Waxahachie?

The Texas Theater is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves culture and history. It is a place where you can enjoy high-quality entertainment in a stunning setting. It is also a place where you can learn about the past and present of Waxahachie and Texas. Whether a local or a visitor, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at the Texas Theater.

Are you ready to visit the Texas Theater? Don’t wait any longer, and book your tickets today! You will not regret it!

A Trip Through Waxahachie Curious Stops: From College Street Pub to Estates of Hidden Creek

College Street Pub

210 N College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southwest on N College St toward Water St for 387 ft.
2. Turn right onto W Main St. The destination will be on the right after 174 ft.

The Texas Theater

110 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest on W Main St toward S Rogers St for 85 ft.
2. Turn left onto S Rogers St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
3. Turn left onto W Madison St and continue for 262 ft.
4. Turn left onto S College St. The destination will be on the left after 75 ft.

Gingerbread Antiques

310 S College St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northeast on S College St toward W Jefferson St for 194 ft.
2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Jefferson St and proceed for 0.1 mi.
3. Turn left onto S Elm St and continue for 272 ft.
4. Turn right onto W Madison St. The destination will be on the left after 180 ft.

Railport Brewing Company

405 W Madison St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southeast on W Madison St toward S Elm St for 443 ft (approximately 44 sec).
2. Drive along W Marvin Ave and Farley St for 2.8 mi (approximately 7 min).
   1. Turn left onto S Elm St and proceed for 0.4 mi.
   2. Continue onto Ferris Ave, passing by Valvoline Express Care on the left, for 0.3 mi.
   3. Turn right onto W Marvin Ave and continue for 0.6 mi.
   4. Turn left onto Farley St and proceed for 1.4 mi.
   5. Continue onto Broadhead Rd for 0.1 mi.
3. Drive to your destination, which will take approximately 41 sec over a distance of 0.2 mi.
   1. Turn left and proceed for 0.2 mi.
   2. Finally, turn right and continue for 266 ft to reach your destination.

Waxahachie Sports Complex

151 Broadhead Rd, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Continue to Broadhead Rd for 0.2 mi (approximately 42 sec).
   1. Head southwest toward Broadhead Rd for 266 ft.
   2. Turn left and proceed for 0.1 mi.
2. Take Farley St to N Gibson St, which is a distance of 2.3 mi (approximately 6 min).
   1. Turn right onto Broadhead Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
   2. Continue onto Farley St for 1.5 mi.
   3. Turn right onto E Marvin Ave and proceed for 0.8 mi.
3. Turn left onto N Gibson St and continue for 0.4 mi (approximately 1 min).
4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.2 mi (approximately 26 sec).
5. Finally, turn right and continue for 52 ft (approximately 6 sec) to reach your destination.

Nicholas P. Sims Library

515 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest toward W Main St for 0.0 mi.
2. Turn right toward W Main St and proceed for 121 ft.
3. Turn right toward W Main St again and continue for 52 ft.
4. Turn left onto W Main St and proceed for 0.8 mi.
5. Turn left onto S Grand Ave and continue for 0.2 mi.
6. Continue onto W Main. The destination will be on the right after 0.1 mi.

Chautauqua Auditorium

Getzendaner Park, 400 S Grand Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head northwest on W Main toward Getzendaner Memorial Park for 0.2 mi.
2. Turn left onto US-287 BUS N/W Main St and continue to follow US-287 BUS N for 0.9 mi.
3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and proceed for 0.3 mi.
4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 0.9 mi.
5. Turn right onto Civic Center Ln and continue for 92 ft.
6. Continue straight onto Alliance Blvd for 0.2 mi.
7. Finally, turn left onto Rae Blvd. The destination will be on the left after 0.1 mi.

Poston Gardens

2000 Civic Center Ln, Waxahachie, TX 75165, United States

1. Head southwest on Rae Blvd toward Alliance Blvd for 0.1 mi.
2. Turn right onto Alliance Blvd and proceed for 0.2 mi.
3. Turn right onto N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd and continue for 0.6 mi.
4. Continue straight to stay on N Interstate 35 E Rd/N Interstate 35 East Service Rd for 2.2 mi.
5. Take the exit toward Butcher Rd and continue for 0.1 mi.
6. Turn right onto Butcher Rd and proceed for 2.0 mi.
7. Finally, turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. The destination will be on the left after 446 ft.

Estates of Hidden Creek

Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA